Most streamers and podcasters use large-diaphragm condensers or dynamic microphones for a rich and clear sound. But a shotgun mic for streaming is also a great choice. It’s designed for voice recording and picks up sound from one direction, which helps reduce background noise and makes it useful for different setups. In today’s article, we will take you through all the important details of shotgun microphone for streaming, including:
- What is a shotgun mic?
- Are shotgun mics good for streaming?
- How to choose the best one?
- How to mount it on your streaming devices?
- How to improve audio quality when using it for streaming?
What is a shotgun microphone?
Shotgun microphones are easy to spot because of their long, thin tube shape. They come in different sizes, from small to large, and may have features like USB connections, built-in filters, and volume controls.
These mics are very directional, picking up sound mainly from the front and reducing noise from the sides and back (called “off-axis” sounds). This makes them great for recording sound from a distance while keeping it clear, even when placed farther away. Because of this, they are often used in film and video work, especially for ambient sound, dialogue, and sound effects. A shotgun mic for streaming works the same way, helping streamers capture crisp and clear voice audio.
Is using a shotgun mic for streaming a good idea?
Yes, a shotgun mic is good for streaming, especially if you stay in one place while recording. Here’s why it works well for streaming:
- Clear and focused sound: Shotgun microphones are designed to pick up sound from a specific direction, which helps capture your voice clearly while blocking background noise.
- Flexible setup options: You can attach a shotgun mic to a boom arm, place it on a desk stand, mount it on a camera, or simply lay it on a table.
- High audio quality: Shotgun mics deliver crisp, high-quality sound, ensuring your streams sound professional.
- Excellent noise reduction: They effectively reduce unwanted background noise, so your audience hears only your voice.
- Durable and long-lasting: Built to handle regular use, they are sturdy and reliable, making them a smart long-term investment.
- Clean and professional look: Their polished design adds a professional touch to your streaming setup, enhancing the viewer experience.
How to choose the best one?
Choosing a shotgun mic for streaming can be difficult with so many things to consider. To make it easier, here’s a list of key factors to help you find the right one:
Connectivity: Do you need an XLR, 3.5mm jack, or USB shotgun mic for streaming
How your shotgun mic for streaming connects to your setup affects both audio quality and ease of use. You should choose the right connection method according to your device:
- XLR shotgun mic: Ideal for professional setups, but requires an audio interface or mixer to connect to your computer.
- USB shotgun mic: This can be plugged into your computer’s USB port directly, no extra gear is needed.
- 3.5mm shotgun mic: This connects to cameras directly. But for computers, an audio interface is needed.
Polar pattern: Is the side rejection essential for you?
If your streaming environment is prone to background noise from the sides, side rejection becomes crucial. The polar pattern of a shotgun mic determines how well it rejects side noise, so choosing the right one for your setup is important:
- Supercardioid: Good side rejection, but may pick up some rear noise. Suitable for controlled environments.
- Hypercardioid: Better side rejection than supercardioid, but may still capture some rear sounds. Ideal for strong isolation from sides.
- Ultra Cardioid: Best side and rear rejection, perfect for avoiding noise from all directions, though not ideal for movement or boom poles.
Self-noise: Will you use a shotgun mic for live streaming in a quiet environment?
Self-noise refers to the noise generated by the shotgun microphone’s internal components, which can be heard as a hiss, especially when capturing quiet sounds. If you’re streaming in a quiet environment, it’s essential to choose a microphone with low self-noise to avoid unwanted hiss and ensure clear, clean audio.
Price: What’s your budget?
Shotgun mics for streaming come in various price ranges. If you’re experienced, investing in a higher-end option can improve sound quality and give you more control. For beginners, a mid-range or budget-friendly mic is a good starting point, with the option to upgrade as your streaming setup grows.
Power supply: Is phantom power available during streaming?
The power source is also an important factor. Most shotgun microphones rely on 48V phantom power, which is commonly provided by cameras, mixers, or recording devices. However, some models also offer the option of using an AA battery, which can be a useful backup in situations where phantom power is unavailable. Choose one that aligns with your available power sources to ensure smooth streaming.
What is the best shotgun mic for streaming: 3 picks at SYNCO
Based on the factors mentioned, here are our top three shotgun microphones for streaming.
Best for beginners: SYNCO D1 budget shotgun mic for streaming featuring hypercardioid pattern and dual power options
Click the photo to shop the SYNCO D1 for $129.
The SYNCO D1 is an ideal budget-friendly shotgun mic for streaming, offering professional-grade audio quality at an affordable price. Its hypercardioid pattern ensures focused sound pickup from the front while effectively reducing side and rear noise, making it perfect for streaming in controlled environments. With a high signal-to-noise ratio (78dB) and sensitivity of -32dB (±2dB), it captures clear and detailed audio. The D1 supports both 48V phantom power and a 1.5V AA battery, providing flexibility for various streaming setups. Its durable CNC brass construction enhances sound clarity and reduces interference, delivering a reliable and smooth streaming experience.
Best overall: SYNCO D30 Supercardioid shotgun mic with 3.5mm monitoring jack and 75Hz/150Hz low-cut filter
Click the photo to shop the SYNCO D30 for $159
The SYNCO D30 is a solid mid-range shotgun mic that delivers clear, professional sound for streaming. Its 3.5mm jack lets you monitor audio in real-time, helping you adjust levels easily. The 75Hz/150Hz low-cut filter reduces background noise from wind and vibrations, giving you cleaner audio. The supercardioid pattern focuses on sound from the front while blocking noise from the sides and back. The step-less gain knob (-10dB to 15dB) allows precise control over input levels, and the Type-C interface ensures high-quality sound. It’s a great choice for streamers who want reliable performance without breaking the bank.
Best for professionals: SYNCO D2 Hypercardioid shotgun microphone for streaming with low self-noise and XLR connector
Click the photo to shop the SYNCO D2 for $199
The SYNCO D2 is a top choice for professional streamers seeking clear, high-quality audio. Its hypercardioid pattern focuses on sound from the front while rejecting side noise, making it ideal for controlled recording environments. The ultra-flat frequency response (20Hz–20KHz) ensures natural and accurate sound capture. Its solid brass body provides durability and reduces interference, while the gold-plated XLR connector delivers a clean, stable signal. With an ultra-low self-noise of 12dB (A-weighted), the D2 captures even subtle details without background hiss. It’s a reliable mic for streamers who want professional-grade audio performance.
How to mount it on your streaming devices?
Mounting a shotgun mic for streaming correctly is key to capturing clear and professional audio. You can set it up using a boom arm, studio arm, or desk stand, depending on your streaming style and setup:
Using a boom arm: Keeps the shotgun mic hidden for a professional streaming setup
A boom arm is ideal for mounting a shotgun mic when you want to keep it out of sight while streaming. Position the boom arm a few feet above and point the mic directly at your mouth to take advantage of its directional pickup. This setup helps isolate your voice from background noise, making it great for professional-looking streams.
Using a studio arm: Ensures clear sound for stationary streaming
A studio arm works well for close-up audio capture, making it a good fit for shotgun mics in a streaming setup. Attach the mic to the arm using a shock mount or clip, then adjust the position so it’s aimed directly at your mouth. This setup ensures consistent sound quality and is perfect for stationary streaming.
Using a desk stand: Mount shotgun mic for steaming quickly in a small space
A desk stand or tripod provides a simple and portable way to mount a shotgun microphone for streaming. Place the mic in front of you and adjust the angle toward your mouth for a clear sound. This method is ideal for flexible streaming setups or smaller spaces where quick adjustments are needed.
Tips for using streaming shotgun mic
Using a shotgun mic for streaming can significantly improve audio quality, but proper setup and handling are essential. Here are some key tips to get the best sound:
- Position the mic correctly: Place the shotgun mic slightly above, below, or to the side of your mouth to keep it out of the camera frame while ensuring it picks up clear audio. Avoid placing it too far away, as it may reduce sound quality.
- Avoid reflective surfaces: Hard surfaces like walls, floors, and ceilings can reflect sound and create an echo. To prevent this, aim the mic away from reflective surfaces or use soft materials like blankets to absorb unwanted noise.
- Use a windshield or foam cover: Shotgun audio gears are sensitive to wind noise. Adding a foam windscreen or a furry cover helps reduce this interference, especially if you’re streaming in a drafty environment.
- Monitor audio levels: Keep an eye on your audio levels during streaming. If the levels are too high, the sound may distort; if too low, it may be hard to hear. Adjust as needed to maintain consistent sound quality.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions to help you understand how shotgun microphones perform in streaming setups.
What are the disadvantages of using a shotgun mic for streaming?
While shotgun mics are great for streaming, they have some limitations:
- Limited mobility: Shotgun mics are not ideal for dynamic, movement-heavy streams. If you need to move around, a lavalier mic would be a better option.
- Additional equipment: They often require extra gear like a shock mount, boom pole, or windscreen, which adds complexity to your streaming setup.
- Wind noise: Their sensitivity to wind can create unwanted noise during outdoor or breezy conditions, requiring additional noise-reduction accessories.
- Poor in small, reflective spaces: Shotgun mics may pick up echoes in small rooms with hard surfaces, which can affect sound quality during indoor streams.
How loud should my mic be when streaming?
When using a shotgun mic for streaming, aim for your input levels to average between -12dB and -20dB, with peaks not exceeding -6dB. This range ensures your audio remains clear and free from distortion, even during loud moments. Regularly check the level meter on your interface or streaming software to prevent clipping and maintain balanced sound throughout your stream.